Former Terps LB D'Qwell Jackson agrees to five-year deal with Browns

Torrey Smith, a 2010 All-ACC first-team selection, led the Terps with 65 receptions and 1,055 receiving yards in 2010 as a junior. His 2,982 kickoff return yards ranks first in ACC history.

Torrey Smith, a 2010 All-ACC first-team selection, led the Terps with 65 receptions and 1,055 receiving yards in 2010 as a junior. His 2,982 kickoff return yards ranks first in ACC history. (Andrew Shurtleff-US PRESSWIRE)

The Ravens selected Smith with the 58th pick in the second round of the NFL Draft. He now finds himself behind wide receivers Anquan Boldin and Lee Evans on the depth chart.

The Ravens selected Smith with the 58th pick in the second round of the NFL Draft. He now finds himself behind wide receivers Anquan Boldin and Lee Evans on the depth chart. (Mitch Stringer-US PRESSWIRE)

Williams was never at standout for Maryland, at least statistically. He finished his career with three touchdowns (with the one above) and less than 500 total receiving yards, including just 101 as a senior. He did garner All-ACC Freshmen team honors in 2007.

Williams was never at standout for Maryland, at least statistically. He finished his career with three touchdowns (with the one above) and less than 500 total receiving yards, including just 101 as a senior. He did garner All-ACC Freshmen team honors in 2007. (Baltimore Examiner and Washington Examiner)

Williams went undrafted and had just one offer as a free agent - from the hometown Ravens. But surprising most, Williams made the 53-man active roster at the beginning of September and is looking to make an impact.

Williams went undrafted and had just one offer as a free agent - from the hometown Ravens. But surprising most, Williams made the 53-man active roster at the beginning of September and is looking to make an impact.

Scott never quite regained his 2008 form when he rushed for 1,178 yards and eight touchdowns, but he still impressed scouts with his breakaway speed. He finished his collegiate career on a high note, though, with a Maryland bowl record 200 rushing yards against ECU in the Military Bowl.

Scott never quite regained his 2008 form when he rushed for 1,178 yards and eight touchdowns, but he still impressed scouts with his breakaway speed. He finished his collegiate career on a high note, though, with a Maryland bowl record 200 rushing yards against ECU in the Military Bowl. (Jonathan Brownfield-US PRESSWIRE)

It’s also quite the reversal of fortune for the six-year NFL veteran. A year ago, he was on the mend after a second straight pectoral injury ended his 2010 season before it ever began. Sixteen games and 158 tackles later – a total that trailed only Redskins linebacker London Fletcher (166) – Jackson was in the Browns’ crosshairs again.

He’s the first of what will be a few former stars who wore the Maryland red and white to see green this offseason. Vikings linebackerE.J. Henderson, who has racked up a combined 215 tackles the past two seasons, is set to be a free agent this offseason. So, too, is brother Erin, who moved into a part-time starting role in Minnesota last year after three seasons with the team.

There’s no word on whether Jackson plans to donate any of his millions to save Maryland’s at-risk sports teams (or football team, for that matter), but, as always, we’ll keep you updated.

Jonas Shaffer is a sports reporting intern at The Baltimore Sun. The senior journalism major at the University of Maryland also serves as sports editor of The Diamondback. Contact him at xcxjsshaffer@baltsun.com and follow him at twitter.com/jonas_shaffer.